Passing as Elias - By Kate Bloomfield Page 0,21

you in this light before.’ He whispered, stepping towards her.

Elizabeth avoided his penetrating gaze and stared at her bare feet upon the floorboards.

‘You seem nervous.’ His voice was warm, and husky.

Elizabeth looked up at the Captain and saw that his expression was hard and blazing.

‘I have never had a man in my bedroom before.’ She admitted.

Captain Greenwood sat next to Elizabeth, causing the mattress to sink several inches, ‘I had to see you.’ He heaved a dramatic sigh, ‘I was going mad, sitting at home and thinking of nothing else. Before I knew it I was halfway down the street. I shall be sad when I have to leave.’ He leant backwards and rested on his palms.

Elizabeth pursed her lips and forced the words from her mouth, ‘You could … spend the night.’ She shrugged casually, avoiding eye contact.

Captain Greenwood sat up, ‘Here? In this room?’

‘I would understand if you did not desire it.’

‘I would desire it more than anything.’ He said with raised eyebrows.

‘Will you stay?’ Elizabeth asked tentatively.

‘If you wish it.’ He said softly, taking her hand.

Captain Greenwood took of his shoes, socks, and waistcoat and lay with Elizabeth upon her bed. She rested her head upon his chest and allowed him to stroke her hair gently. It was very soothing lying there in his warm arms. He trailed a finger up and down the length of her arm, sending goose bumps over her flesh. She could hear his heart thumping madly, and his breathing was ragged.

‘What are you thinking about?’ Elizabeth whispered.

‘I am thinking … how content I am.’ He replied in a husky voice, as his fingertips trailed across her shoulder. She could feel him watching her, his eyes roaming over her body as she curled up against him. She wanted him to want her, for his affection would be key to a quick proposal. Elizabeth looked up at Captain Greenwood and caught the expression upon his face. Lust. His eyes burned with passion.

Elizabeth placed a hand upon his chest. His shirt had a few buttons undone and she could see dark, curly hair protruding over the top. She ran her fingertips through the hair upon his chest and he took a sharp intake of breath. Elizabeth felt bold, and daring. She fingered the highest button of his shirt and let it pop out of its hole. Captain Greenwood looked down his nose at Elizabeth, his expression one of confusion. She moved to the next button, and the next. Soon, his shirt fell open to reveal his bare chest. He was incredible, with a thicket of hair trailing all the way down to his belly button. A thinner trail led to the rim of his breeches. Elizabeth’s mouth felt dry, and she wondered how far she dared to go in order to claim Captain Greenwood as her own, indefinitely. Was giving in to her beliefs worth taking ownership of the apothecary? She looked up at the Captain and they locked eyes. Elizabeth could hear her mind screaming; Kiss me. Kiss me. For the love of God, you must be mine.

It was as though he had read her mind, for Captain Greenwood leaned forward at that moment and kissed her on the mouth. He caressed her arm, her shoulders, and lightly touching her collarbone. His fingers blazed a white-hot trail across her skin, and she shivered under his touch. Elizabeth’s heart pounded loudly, and she knew it was due to arousal, and not love for the Captain. She knew this, but at the moment it did not matter.

Elizabeth let out a throaty moan when the captain’s lips moved to the nape of her neck. She arched her back and pressed herself against him, melting into his arms. Captain Greenwood’s hand was upon her thigh. He pulled her closer, and Elizabeth wrapped her leg around his torso. Things were getting quite out of hand. All previous reservations lost, the Captain was above her, the weight of his body pressing against Elizabeth. She could feel his rugged breath cascading down her neck. He was groaning. His lips moved from her neck and came crashing down upon her mouth once again. Legs wrapped around his waist, Elizabeth gasped as she felt his manhood grind against her thigh. At this noise, he stopped kissing Elizabeth and stared down at her, his hair dishevelled, and his lips red.

‘Are you all right?’ He said breathlessly.

Elizabeth nodded, unable to form words.

He stared at her momentarily, breathing heavily. He appeared to be thinking hard.

‘Should I